HOCO,BRW, 🏗

HOCO- Granville Homecoming and as always in my life on Newark-Granville Road it only happens with a little help from our friends......Okay a lot of help! With Denison BRW/FLC meeting the same weekend, I'm grateful for:
-Newkirk Salon and Spa-  https://www.newkirksalonspa.com Leslie found room in the schedule and Sally spent the afternoon in hair and make-up with friends doing the same.  I stopped on Thursday to pay and Sally took care of the tips that day- I hope.  She looked stunning!
-Tara, Paige's Mom- Sally's friend's Mom, Clare's friends Mom and my friend- phew- my hero.  She picked Sally up at 10 for nails, lunch, fall treats and getting ready.  We were able to simply show up for the pictures- in the nick of time!!
-Belts- friend time, debrief time for grown-ups and Denison break time for me.  Post dance party site too-yay!
-Kurtz- pick up late night, sleep over AND church delivery- woo hoo!!
-Roofs- driving the kids to dinner, I believe key to the dinner plans too.
And Sally- she made it all happen, partnered with friends and me.  We had fun dress, shoe and jewelry shopping. She knows what she likes and is comfortable in her own skin.  It shows- don't you think.  One of my favorite pics we snapped at...the Newkirks.  How fun to have friends that host pictures and don't have kids in this class or even in the high school!

BRW- which means FLC!  Big Red Weekend at Denison is Homecoming and Parents Weekend rolled into one- amazing affinity reunions and reunions with families and new unions!  Denison families meet and friendships are born.  Denisonians from across the decades with shared interest create new relationships. We fall in love with our campus, town and network all over again- it is a beautiful thing.  I love all the roles I play and people I see.  This weekend had so many great components and a highlight is FLC- Family Leadership Council.  This is philanthropy in action and I'm happy to share more in person.  A dear FLC member - parent 19, parent of an alumnus returned on Saturday and we shared the day- what a treat! A student's request thrilled Joe and Denisonians united for a history walk. Sports is key to our Denison experience and time with Nan and Mike always special. The renovated Women's Soccer Team Room made possible by the Berlet family is something I'll not forget.  I will share that there was much that I did miss- honors for a swim alum, Varsity D Hall of Fame, musical group performances, open houses, baseball and alums and parents I really really wanted to see not to mention a road trip- I often want to be with the away teams.  I listened to my body on Saturday and went to bed "early"- sigh. I woke up refreshed and ready for Sunday to connect with Men's lacrosse- always a treat and I'm grateful to be part of our Denison team of teams. Here is a picture capturing special friendships in my life on Newark-Granville Road

And now time for construction! The  landscaping is out, the furniture has been removed- the screened in porch is happening!  That means new roof and windows for kitchen/breakfast nook leading to the porch.  I've always wanted a porch and the time has arrived! No doubt they'll be updates on the blog. Here are the before pics...I can't wait to post the after and even some of the during here to share the fun of construction in our live on NG Road with you.  Thanks for reading.  Have a great week.

 

Pumpkins, pumpkins and cilantro

Plethora of pumpkins- I blogged about it on 9-13-19, Pumpkin Patch Take Over, and feel you need the update.  40 pumpkins- bumpy pumpkins- not gourds- actually warty pumpkins or giving credit where credit is due- SuperFreaks. Agriculture lesson for the day- these have been cross-bred to grow like this.  Although smooth pumpkins took time to evolve- the pendulum is always swinging!  Figure eights are everywhere- learn more about this type of pumpkin:  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pumpkin/bumpy-pumpkin-fruit.htm  We harvested 40 and now there are more to harvest- we should probably leave some on the vine to see if we can get them bigger. I was worried about them rotting. We have not had much water AND the dear are taking some nibbles. Happy to share some of the fun growing in our life on Newark-Granville Road!

Pumpkins outside, pumpkins inside- glass pumpkins from the Works.  With the arrival of Fall (Autumn Equinox was 9-23-19) this year we pulled out the fall decor and put away summer florals. Sniff, sniff- I do love summer.  However I love all of the beautiful, amazing glass pumpkins, gourds, acorns and leaves we have. I might even say I have a collection.  So many favorites, enhanced around the house with fabric, wax and other materials. You want your own glass pumpkin or to add to your collection?  Visit The Works:  https://attheworks.org   You can even make your own- sign up on line or give a call! It really is fun to see the glass pumpkin patch!    Speaking of the Works- HATSOFF planning is starting- ask me about it- such a nice way to make a difference, be creative and meet great people!

Cilantro- Joe made his Butter Chicken this week and the bunch of cilantro he brought home was bountiful.  He has become an amazing cook with his Instapot and his butter chicken gets better and better.  Adding more cilantro makes it even better in my book.  He inspired me and I added cilantro to my stuffed peppers.  The peppers are always different- we went back to rice and cheese for this batch. Why because it was there.  Cilantro in the freezer now,  some fun recipes in the queue!

Life on Newark-Granville Road- loving the weather, the end and start of the seasons and time together.  Getting ready for BIG RED WEEKEND- Denison Parent's Weekend and Homecoming mixed into one AND we host our Family Leadership Council Meeting on Friday. Welcome back and welcome to new members- philanthropy in action.

Two Nights with Jane

Jane Heller is one of my heroes. She is an artist, an entrepreneur, a mother, a wife, a friend, a leader, a teacher, a philanthropist, a devoted community member, an all-around good person and yes a Denisonian!  I first heard about Jane when I worked at Denison the 1st time- she was the Grandparent Chair for the Annual Fund.  During my time getting to know our community deeper, when I was not working my relationship with Jane blossomed. I met her through numerous people and places. When I went to The Works I experienced her art and had the privilege to see her in action.  In 2012 Denison awarded her the Alumni Citation- such a special day, I remember it fondly- I was proud to call her my friend and celebrate with her:
https://alumni.denison.edu/citations/jane-carstensen-heller/    I've blogged about Jane and her art in my world many times- when you search this blog you'll find her referenced in 2011, 13,14, 17 and June of 19.  I guess that makes this a figure-eight post, round and round!

Lucky for me I've had two nights in a row with Jane.  Last night Kendall honored her by naming the art gallery for her.  It was a lovely reception that gathered good people. Jane does that- she unites special people together with art as core to the experience.  These photos share my sentiments- look closely at the expressions.  Thank you to all those that made last night happen.  Thank you Jane for being you- your remarks were beautiful, inspirational. You included your friends, you told the stories, you recognized those that share your journey and appreciation- oh Jane you make the world so
beautiful.

 

Tonight we attended an event as Denisonians. What a treat to be at the Columbus Museum of Art for the Denison Beck Series in partnership with Thurber House as author Tayari Jones reflected on her writing and book- An American Marriage.  Jane goes where the art is and today's was amazing. Tayari is a storyteller with fabulous stories.  Lucky us, all of us there- dear friends and Denisonians together meeting and engaging with Tayari! My fellow bookclubers know I love to learn the how and process an author has with writing- Tayari did not disappoint! What a treat to share the evening with you Jane.

Life on Newark-Granville road loves every day when I get to spend time with Jane.  Thank you Kendal for honoring dear Jane. Jane thank you for being you- inspiring us, uniting us, appreciating so many.

PS- An American Marriage is worth the read AND after talking with colleagues and haring from the author- Silver Sparrow is now on my list to read.

Pumpkin Patch Take Over

When I've answered the question- what is that growing in your front yard- multiple times,  it is time to blog about it.  The answer is- pumpkins or maybe gourds!  Years ago I chronicled in pictures our first volunteer pumpkin.

 We love to decorate the steps of our house in our life on Newark-Granville Road with pumpkins to signal- fall is here.  When we're done- we deposit them in various beds for the deer.  The first place they started to propagate was the back yard, the vine starting under the pine tree and reaching for the sunlight.  Recently it has been the front yard- under the big tree (that fell this year) near the street.  The leaf pile nutrients must be good for pumpkins!  Sunlight - now that the tree is gone- must be good for pumpkins.  We've never had such a full/robust patch and people are noticing and asking.

Today I went into the patch and was able to harvest/pick two bumpy/ugly pumpkins. They may be more gourd than pumpkin- I'm not sure. They're pictured here and on the front porch. Let the fall decorating commence!  It feels a bit early but this season has been a strange one- late corn/early pumpkins?  We'll see what the Farmers Market has tomorrow.  I'll update this post with more information about our front yard patch. In the past we've had a mix of pumpkins and gourds- we'll see what happens this year in our life on Newark-Granville.

Books for the Year- Discussing Books at CVH launches 19-20

What a delightful, special evening that simply does not disappoint. I'm amazed at how well we know what to do.  Highlights of the evening:

1. I knew when I sent the email describing our process I left something out- the classics, we always pick a classic. How could I forget.  I was reminded and we were laughing about it and a bit worried about one member not having been as regular last year.  We said- what if she doesn't come, who will pick the classic? And as if on queue, she walked in the door!

2. The food! Sally said- is it book club night? I woke up thinking it was and it made my day. I was thinking about those cookies and treats all day. We now share recipes as part of our evening.

3. The friendships. We've been doing this for well over 15 years. Not everyone and we've certainly shifted but a core group and great new group is really bonding and connecting. Such good women unite. Oh it is fun when folks chime in from the past!! Hint hint love to hear from others!!

5. The process- we talk giggle, share honestly and openly and get it done!We track it- we have a spread sheet that lists books back to 2004 reading. We have the assignments for the year and the recommendations.

6. The books- that is what is about, and we do talk books.  No one recommended Where the Crawdad's Sing?  During a break we took a poll- I think everyone had read it.  We should have just discussed it.  A Gentleman in Moscow made it from the recommend list to the assigned list- wow! Every book that is recommended sounds Great- it is going to be a good year.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- I say it every year, this night is special and appreicated and productive!  Want the list? Want to be on the distribution list- just let me know! We are open and welcoming- another special part of this group. It may take some time to get the gist and we may not be for everyone but if you want to give it a try- join us on the 1st Monday of the month.  We go back to Cherry Valley Lodge Oct 7th!

Music to transition the seasons AND holy hospitality feature.

A real weekend- a wonderful, fabulous weekend.  Ahhhhh- two trips to the Farmers Market on Saturday- I felt rushed with Joe, enjoyed going together but I went back to just take my time.  I made gazpacho.  I went to yoga- ahhhh. We went to the lake and enjoyed family time- truly relaxed, even napped!  We swam across the lake.

Okay- another Life on Newark-Granville Best/ Favorite/ Top Pick- we've been doing it for years now- Swim the Lake. And most of the time we are greeted on the other side with incredible hospitality. Often on a Sunday so I'm calling it holy hospitality.  It started when we met at Nutcracker auditions in Newark.  How could it be the person I just met and we both wanted to leave ASAP to get Apple Valley. She had a new lake house directly across the lake from the Westerville Leithauser's home.  So we swam over- search the blog and you'll see more about this. And we've done it over and over and each time we are treated like royalty. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, towels and snacks!  The kids love it- jumping from the top deck. We catch up with one another- their kids have gone to college and graduated.  We don't stay long, we don't give much notice but we are loved, welcomed and provided the perfect respite.  Then we go back.  Thank you so much Wagners for this awesome summer touchpoint.  I just love it and love how the family loves it too!  Then.....

Club time- beautiful wonderful Moundbuilders Club time.  The place where we've made dear dear friends and enjoyed countless hours as a family.  We love the staff and beautiful beloved surroundings of the mounds, trees and quiet neighborhood.  There is a lot of press out there about the return of the property to the Ohio Connection, the movement for it to be a UNESCO site.  We've been to amazing UNESCO sites and agree Newark has a very special historic place. It is unfortunate things have not progressed in simpler ways.  A new club and location could be exciting and fun.  Joe is part of club leadership. I'm grateful for today's leaders serving our institution.  I've heard the presentations on the history and it is amazing.  Amazing is also where the burial mounds were (Moundbuilders are ceremonial not burial) and what is there now.  Amazing is how the club has preserved the space. Amazing is what preceded the golf course. Amazing are the friendships and safe place the club has been in my life on Newark-Granville Road for 14 years.  We joined when Sally was born.   There is more to the story that was in the Columbus Magazine Sept issue, as always.   Disagree with me- I respect your side, please respect mine and be grateful the land and mounds are there as they are now.  And know MCC is alive and well- great social gatherings planned for the year and know when I golf the beautiful space I'm grateful for those who have gone before us.  As Joe says the space was created for recreation and fellowship- that intent has been and is honored.


Now for the music....I hope I've set the tone- amazing weekend. Now it is Monday evening.  The weekend was filled with friend time, family time, catch-up time, relaxing time.  Monday evening I felt as I believe my girls do leaving camp. Happy for the memories, sad for it to be over.  Summer sigh, summer's ending.  The pool time wasn't as frequent this year- golf filled in, active exercise, so my melancholy may have been a bit of grief. Grief of what has been and what could be as things end. All lovely but changing.  I love when the radio provides the perfect soundtrack- It Must Have Been Love by Roxette was on the radio as I drove home from a Whit's run with the kids in the convertible. Beautiful moon, perfect temps, happy but sad.  Not sure there could have been a more fitting way to launch the summer farewell.

And then Tuesday am- September by Earth, Wind and Fire pumped me up for the new week and season on its way.  Again in the convertible with perfect temperature, sun shining, roof down.  Life on Newark-Granville Road with music- join me in a sing-along and dance party, feel the beat of what has been and is coming.